noun
gap in a mountain ridge; col; notch
A geographical term for a sharp dip or pass in a mountain ridge, often used in hiking and mountaineering contexts. The word is a loan from German 'Gratlücke' or similar, and is typically written in katakana.
この尾根にはいくつかのキレットがあるので、注意して進もう。
There are several gaps on this ridge, so let's proceed carefully.
キレットを越えると、視界が急に開けた。
After crossing the col, the view suddenly opened up.
峠 is a general term for a mountain pass or peak of a road, while キレット specifically refers to a sharp gap or notch in a ridge, often with steep drops on both sides.
鞍部 is a more technical geographical term for a saddle or col between two peaks, similar to キレット but less specific to sharp, narrow gaps.
Likely derived from a German mountaineering term such as 'Gratlücke' (ridge gap) or 'Karette', adapted into Japanese as キレット. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a specialized loanword used in hiking and climbing contexts.